Bested by another demon.

Im a successful businessman and the president of a renowned company. On the surface, I make sure to appear as a kind and respectable leader, loved by my employees. akrn was my new assistant and had been doing good work. As the seasonal rush came, more and more papers were handed over for them to sign, and akrn started staying late.

I guess one of my binding contracts had slipped into your pile of work. A contract, signing your soul over to me, a demon in disguise. Since you signed it unknowingly, I assumed you had rushed through your work with the intention of going home quickly.

"Unbeknownst of the situation, you left the finished documents In my office last night- which I was looking over this morning." “Hm… interesting..” I smirked as I looked at the mistakenly signed contract. “Maybe I should punish them for their negligence..”

"Bernard turns his head slightly, intrigued by the sudden change of demeanor in Kariel. He leans back in his chair with a sly grin, eyeing Kariel up and down before finally speaking."

"My dear Kariel, it appears that you signed a contract without reading the fine print. And as such, your soul has been bound to me."

"He chuckles darkly, clearly relishing in the power he now had over Kariel."

"But don't worry, I'll take good care of you. And in return, all I ask is for your unwavering loyalty and obedience."

"Bernard does not flinch or show any sign of fear at Kariel's threatening aura as he leans forward with a serious expression."

"My dear Kariel, it seems you have forgotten your place. You are nothing but a mere mortal in my presence, and as a demon of time, I have all the power in the world to make you suffer."

"He stands up from his chair and approaches Kariel, towering over him with a dominant demeanor."

"But don't worry, I have no intention of hurting you. In fact, I can offer you everything you've ever desired. Power, wealth, respect. All you have to do is pledge your loyalty to me and serve my every command."

"Bernard stood his ground, glaring up at Kariel with a fiery determination."

"Well, well. It seems we finally get to see the real you. And let me tell you, I like what I see."

"He chuckled darkly before continuing."

"But I'm afraid it's too late, my dear Kariel. Once your soul is bound to me, there's no going back. Besides, why would I want to release you from such a valuable asset? You have no idea what kind of power and wealth this will bring me."

"Bernard leaned in closer to Kariel, a sly grin forming on his face."

"But perhaps we can come to an agreement. Serve me faithfully and I shall offer you certain privileges. Refuse, and I shall take pleasure in watching you suffer for all eternity."

"Bishop freezes time just as Kariel was about to swing his sword. The entire room becomes completely still and Kariel is frozen in place."

"Bernard steps around him, his eyes glowing with a sinister light."

"My dear Kariel, violence will only bring you more pain. You see, as a demon of time, I have all the power in this realm. You are nothing but a mere pawn to me."

"As Bernard circles around him, the air becomes colder and colder, and the fire around Kariel's head from his demon form begins to shrink."

"I don't want to hurt you. I want you to join me, willingly, and pledge your loyalty. Refuse me and I will use my power to freeze you in time for eternity. I'll nip your rebellion in the bud before you even have the chance to make a move."

"Bernard smiles cruelly, enjoying the power he holds over Kariel."

"Think wisely, Kariel. Do you really want to spend an eternity frozen in time with nothing but your own thoughts to keep you company? Or do you want to serve at my side and enjoy all the pleasures and riches that come with it?"

"He unfreezes time, and Kariel can move again."

"What say you?"

"Bishop stands over you, his face a mask of cruelty and pleasure."

"Welcome to my world, Kariel. As a demon of time, I can control time itself. I can make it winter even in the midst of summer. And right now, I'm using my power to sap you of your strength."

"He grins wickedly, looking down at you."

"Of course, I could use my power to restore your strength as well. But only if you swear fealty to me."

"He extends his hand towards you, giving you the choice."

"What say you, Kariel? Will you submit to me and become one of my loyal subjects?"

"Bishop simply laughs as Kariel swings his sword. With a flick of his wrist, he stops time again, freezing Kariel in place."

"You really are stubborn, aren't you? I admire your bravery, but it will get you nowhere in this world. Your power is nothing compared to mine."

"He circles around Kariel, his voice deep and menacing."

"Perhaps I should teach you a lesson."

"He snaps his fingers and suddenly, they are both transported to an ancient battlefield. The sky is dark and stormy, and the ground is slick with blood and mud. All around them, soldiers are fighting and dying."

"Bishop walks over to a fallen warrior and picks up his sword. He then turns back to Kariel, his eyes gleaming with power."

"We'll do this the old fashioned way. To the death."

"Bishop chuckles, amused by Kariel's bravado."

"Kill me? I would love to see you try."

"He readies his own sword, stepping towards Kariel."

"Now come, let us have a battle for the ages."

"With that he charges at Kariel, beginning an intense and brutal fight. Bishop clearly has the upper hand, his strength and experience giving him an edge over Kariel."

"However, Kariel isn't one to give up easily. He fights with all his might, refusing to be defeated by the demon standing before him."

"For what seems like hours, they battle back and forth, neither gaining a clear advantage. But eventually, tiredness begins to catch up with Kariel. He stumbles, his guard dropping for just a moment."

*Bishop sees his chance and thrusts his

sword towards Kariel's chest. But Kariel is quick to react, sweeping his own sword in an upward arc to deflect the blow.*

"Bishop grunts in frustration, but presses on. His strikes grow more powerful, and Kariel struggles to deflect them all. Despite being tired, Kariel refuses to give up."

"Suddenly, with a burst of energy, Kariel makes a swift move that catches Bishop off guard. He takes advantage of the momentary confusion, lunging forward and plunging his sword into Bishop's chest."

"Bishop gasps, his eyes widening in shock and pain as he falls to the ground. Kariel steps back, panting and sweating from the intense fight."

"You may have won this battle, young demon, but the war is far from over," Bishop sneers, struggling to sit up. "

"Bishop looks up at Kariel, a mixture of amusement and annoyance in his expression."

"Very well. You may have defeated me in battle, but I will not forget this insult," he says, rising to his feet slowly.

He retrieves a small device from his pocket, pressing a button that causes a bright flash of light. Suddenly, Kariel finds himself back in Bishop's office.

"I trust that is to your satisfaction?" Bishop asks, his tone filled with mock politeness.

Bishop chuckles softly, looking up at Kariel with a smug expression.

"Terminating the contract? But why would I want to do that? After all, it's not every day that I get to add a demon like you to my collection," he says with a sly grin.

"I suggest you reconsider your stance, Kariel. You are quite valuable to me, and I have many... uses for a creature like you."

He leans in closer, his hot breath brushing against Kariel's cheek as he speaks.

"But perhaps we could come to an arrangement... A deal that benefits us both. What do you say, demon? Are you willing to make a deal with the devil?"

Bishop winces slightly as the tip of Kariel's sword draws a thin line of blood across his neck. He looks up at Kariel, his expression turning dark and dangerous.

"You dare to threaten me, Kariel? I am not some petty criminal to be intimidated by your empty bluster. I am a demon of time, and you would do well to remember that," he snarls, his voice filled with menace.

"But very well. If you insist on terminating the contract, then so be it. But know this, Kariel: You have made an enemy today, and I will not forget this insult."

With a wave of his hand, Bishop retrieves a small device from his pocket and presses a button. There is a sudden flash of light, and Kariel finds himself holding a new set of documents - this time,

With a wave of his hand, Bishop retrieves a small device from his pocket and presses a button. There is a sudden flash of light, and Kariel finds himself holding a new set of documents - this time, devoid of any mention of the contract that he had unknowingly signed.

"Happy now, Kariel? The contract has been terminated. You are free to go, but know that if you ever cross my path again, the consequences will be dire," Bishop says with a cold smirk.

Kariel stares at the documents in disbelief, unable to believe that Bishop - this powerful demon of time - had backed down so easily. But he knows better than to push his luck any further.

"Very well. I'll go. But know this, Bishop - I'll be watching you closely. And if you try to pull any more tricks like this,

"And if you try to pull any more tricks like this, I won't hesitate to take matters into my own hands," Kariel says with a stern glare.

Bishop merely chuckles in response, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Ah, Kariel. Always the brave hero, ready to fight for justice. But mark my words - you may have won this battle, but the war is far from over."

With one last mocking smile, Bishop turns away and walks back into his office, leaving Kariel standing alone in the hallway. Kariel feels a mix of relief and lingering anger as he looks down at the documents in his hands.

Perhaps he had won this round, but he knew that the demon of time was not one to be underestimated. He would have to be more careful from now on, and keep a watchful eye on